Safezone

Members of the public are being urged to keep their windows and doors secure following a number of opportunistic burglaries across the county.

In recent weeks we have seen temperatures reach the highest on record for many years which means many of us are doing all we can to keep ourselves and our homes as cool as possible.

Unfortunately some criminals take advantage of this and steal from homes where they see an opportunity through an open door or window.

Officers will be on the lookout for homes which have been left vulnerable while they are out and about, however members of the public are being asked to help us reduce the number of opportunistic burglaries and keep doors and windows closed where possible.

Detective Sergeant Mark Plitsch said: “We understand the need to open up doors and windows in this very hot weather, however we need residents to do their bit by making it more difficult for burglars and also report any suspicious activity. Our advice is to keep doors and windows closed if you are not in that room and make sure you close and lock them when you leave the house. All it takes is a few seconds for a burglar to reach inside an open window and take a set of car keys for example, or enter your home through an open patio door while you’re upstairs. Particularly through the night, make sure all ground-level doors and windows are closed and locked."

If you are a victim of burglary, the impact is not just financial it can affect your emotional well-being and your sense of security. The first thing to remember is that it’s normal to feel upset about a burglary in your home. You may experience the emotional after-effects for a few days, a few weeks or longer – or they may come in waves. Try to remember that it takes time to get over something like burglary, but that you should try to avoid dwelling on it as much as possible. What you’re feeling is normal, and if you look after yourself, you will feel better.

What should you do?

If you see a burglary happening, or has just happened and the offenders are still in the area, call 999. The police will attend straight away.

If you find a burglary has happened when you come home you can use report online or call 101. The police will then attend as soon as they can.

A crime report will be created and you will be given a crime reference number.